Fathers who perpetrate physical and technology-delivered intimate partner violence: prevalence and correlates among a nationally-representative sample

Abstract

Statement of Purpose No studies have assessed prevalence and compared correlates of both physical intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and technology-delivered aggression (TDA) among a nationally-representative sample of fathers. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and correlates of physical IPV perpetration and TDA among a nationally-representative sample of fathers.Methods/Approach A nationally-representative sample of fathers aged 18–35 years received surveys with validated measures examining physical IPV perpetration, TDA (insulted, sent threatening messages, asked where at, checked phone and accessed accounts without permission), demographics, alcohol and substance use, and belief that children are harmed by parental IPV. Univariate statistics determined prevalence, and multivariate logistic regression examined correlates of physical IPV and TDA.Results Prevalence of physical IPV perpetration was 23.8%, and TDA was 35.3%, among this national sample of fathers (n=428; mean age 29.7; 59.4% white). Multivariate analyses showed physical IPV perpetration is positively associated with alcohol misuse (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.23) and illicit drug use (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.29–2.79), and negatively associated with working (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.94) and belief that children are harmed by parental IPV (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.84). Alcohol misuse (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16) and prescription pain medication non-medical use (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24–4.15) were associated with TDA.Conclusions Among fathers in the US, nearly 1 in 4 report physical IPV perpetration, and over 1 in 3 report perpetrating TDA. Alcohol and substance use correlates of physical IPV perpetration and TDA are similar. Fathers have reduced IPV odds if working or hold belief that children are harmed by parental IPV.Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science US fathers have high prevalence of perpetrating both physical IPV and TDA. This study informs prevention efforts. Interventions should include alcohol and substance use, and beliefs about parental IPV on children.